Sissoko signs on for six-and-a-half-years

Moussa Sissoko - Our latest recruit Newcastle have made it four signings in four days and five in total this January with their latest addition, Moussa Sissoko, who signs from Toulouse on an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old has signed a six-and-a-half-year contract at St James' Park after speculation earlier on in the week linked the player with a move in the summer when his contract expires and not now when a nominal fee would be payable.

That fee is believed to be in the region of £1.8 million taking our total spending to roughly just under £20 million although that figure is plucked from speculative figures mentioned in the local press. However, in the region of £1.8 million for a player who was being touted around for over £15 million just last season is not bad business at all.

I've not been worried about this transfer at all. The lad has made all the right noises from the start and it was always going to end our way when Toulouse effectively suspended the player earlier on in the week. However I'm mindful that no deal is done until the player is on the official website holding up the shirt, and as you can see from the picture above we are at that stage now.

Sissoko has been speaking to the official website about his move and how delighted he is to be joining what is becoming a French revolution at United.

"I am delighted to be a Newcastle United player," said Sissoko. "This is a massive Club playing in the best league in the world, and I believe my style of play is suited to the Premier League."

"I have heard lots about how fantastic the Newcastle supporters are and cannot wait to get started. I am rising to a new challenge by coming here and want to firstly help the team improve this season and then progress after that," he added.

Alan Pardew also welcomed Sissoko to United and praised the players "drive and energy" which will help the squad.

"This transfer window has proved very productive for us and Moussa arriving today is a massive plus for the Club," said Pardew.

"He will bring drive and energy to the squad, he is a winner and that's why I'm especially pleased to have him with us."

"What all our signings this window bring is essential competition for places and that is great for the remainder of the season," Pardew concluded.

Sissoko signed for Toulouse aged just 14 and spent his formative years progressing through their youth ranks before making his debut in 2007. In total he made 218 appearances for Toulouse scoring 23 goals. Equally impressive is the fact that he is a full France international having earned six caps for Les Blues along with representing his country of birth at U16, U17, U18, U19 and U21 level.

The number 7 shirt is now owned by Sissoko who has been described as the closest thing to Patrick Viera since Patrick Viera and the long-term deal shows a lot of faith in the player from our side as well, no doubt, as a protection should other clubs come calling.

Good work all round!